LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles City Council members voted unanimously today to draft new rules that would prevent future "adult entertainment or adult-oriented uses" in four corridors of the San Fernando Valley.
The targeted streets in San Fernando Valley include stretches of Lankershim Boulevard, Sepulveda Boulevard and San Fernando Road, as well as Oxnard Street, which was added at the 11th hour.
Council staff will prepare an ordinance for final consideration and, if approved, the restrictions would initially last 45 days and could be extended up to two years.
Councilwoman Nury Martinez's motion for an interim ordinance would affect future businesses looking to locate on stretches and the temporary rules would give the city time to judge whether the restrictions reduced crime.
Martinez's 6th District is primarily in Sun Valley and Van Nuys, which along with Chatsworth and Canoga Park, are considered stomping grounds for Los Angeles' so-called Porn Valley.
The proposed ordinance, primarily targeting future nude and topless gentlemens clubs, also focuses on massage parlors, dance clubs, liquor stores and now motels. Depending on interpretation, the ordinance could extend to other adult-oriented businesses.
Existing businesses would be allowed to stay open, but the restrictions wouldn't allow planning department permits for new such businesses there.
Martinez's motion includes an "urgency clause," making it effective upon publication.
City Council in the past has used the same process to put a hold new projects while considering permanent regulations.
